The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ part of the digestive system. Located near the liver, it stores a chemical compound called bile, which aids in the digestion of fat molecules. Bile compounds can sometimes harden into deposits called gallstones, which can cause mild to severe complications. Gallstones can be difficult to diagnose. A common diagnostic tool is a blood test; results showing elevated liver enzymes can signify the presence of gallstones.
Formation of Gallstones
MayoClinic.com reports that the trigger for gallstone formation remains unknown. However, gallstones tend to form when your bile contains too much cholesterol or bilirubin, or if your gallbladder does not empty correctly.
Gallstone Symptoms and Complications
If small enough, gallstones may not cause any signs or symptoms. However, if enough gallstones collect, they can begin to block and inflame the ducts connecting the gallbladder to the liver and small intestine. If left untreated, blocked ducts can cause serious infections in the gallbladder, liver and pancreas. An infection typically triggers moderate to severe pain in your abdomen and right shoulder, jaundice, fever and nausea. In rare cases, gallstones can even raise your risk for gallbladder cancer.
Elevated Liver Enzymes
The liver produces bile and releases it to the gallbladder through the common bile duct. Gallstones can eventually move into the common bile duct and liver, causing inflammation. Elevated liver enzymes often result from damage to liver cells caused by inflammation and infection. Two specific liver enzymes, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase, are often elevated when gallstones are present in the common bile duct, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Gallstone Treatment
Moderate to severe gallstone symptoms can affect your quality of life. Unfortunately, only two effective treatment options exist for gallstones. You can take oral medications to dissolve gallstones; however, MayoClinic.com warns that dissolving gallstones can take up to several months or years. Furthermore, gallstones often return. The most effective and immediate treatment for gallstones is a cholecystectomy, the surgical removal of the gallbladder. Cholecystectomy is the only guaranteed preventative measure for gallstones. Your gallbladder is not essential to health, and your liver will eventually take over its functions to ensure normal digestion.
References
- "Human Physiology: An Integrated Approach"; Dee Unglaub Silverthorn, Ph.D.; 2006
- MayoClinic.com;: Gallstones; July 29, 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center;: Gallstones and Gallbladder Disease -- Diagnosis; June 29, 2009
- MayoClinic.com; Elevated Liver Enzymes; May 5, 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Cholecystectomy; December 28, 2010
